The boys all cackled and teased, but Dean just pursed his lips and sipped his wine. As much as he wanted to tell his family what happened with Colton, he had to be sure Colton was okay with it first.
“Yes, Colton dropped off his gifts the other night,” Dean admitted, matter of fact.
Jordan jumped in, knowing Dean wanted to steer the conversation in another direction. “We all like Colton, very much. We’re just disappointed he’s not here today.”
Dean smiled at Jordan. “Me too. But he wishes everyone a merry Christmas. And he will be here for New Years!”
The merriment was high, the chatter lively and raucous. Truly a happy occasion. God, how Dean had missed those gatherings!
After a short period of drinks, conversation, and nibbles of appetizers, Dean called for everyone to gather around the tree.
“It’s time for your gifts!” He grinned.
His little chosen family spread out on the floor or in chairs pulled from the dining room table and Dean began handing out envelopes to everyone.
“These are your stocking stuffers. Once everyone has theirs, I want you all to open them at the same time.”
Dean stepped back once he’d handed out all the envelopes and waited with a smile.
Everyone tore into their envelopes, pulling out the single item he'd placed in them. Their eyes bulged wide and they all looked around to one another, then to Dean.
“Whoa! This is one helluva stocking stuffer!” Justin grinned.
“Dean, what is this?” David asked stunned, as he looked once again at the paper in his hand.
“Those are your Christmas bonuses!” Dean beamed. “It’s been a great year, we've had some amazing shows and I couldn’t have done any of it without you! This is just my way of saying thank you, and letting ya'll know how much I appreciate each of you.”
“Dean, this is very nice but this iswaytoo much…$10,000?!” Jax spoke with a sputter, trying to hold back his tears. The other dancers nodded in agreement.
“Nonsense! You’re worth every penny.” Aiden walked to his side and Dean wrapped his arm around his back. “I love you all very much. You’re my only family, and I’m going to spoil my family as much as I fucking can.” He looked lovingly at each dancer with tears beginning to slide down his cheeks.
Everyone rushed to stand and engulf Dean in a massive group hug, each of them expressing his own love for Dean and their little family.
They broke the hug and Dean smiled through his tears. “Besides, now you’ll each have tons of spending money for shopping while we’re on tour!” Everyone laughed and hooted.
“But we’re not done yet.” Dean shooed everyone back to their seats. “We still have gifts to open.”
Over the past year, Dean had made every effort to talk to, and really listen to, his staff. He'd learned their favorite colors, favorite foods, favorite designers and clothing labels…really gathered as much information as he could about everyone on his staff.
Dean had chosen a gift for each person from their favorite designer which he handed out one at a time…
Sean held up a Thom Browne polo shirt, his wide smile a clear indicator that Dean had made the right decision.
Jax received a Versace bomber jacket. He gave Dean a crushing hug before putting it on and modeling it for the others.
Harry’s gift was a gorgeous Loro Piana wool sweater. Everyoneoohedandaahedas he displayed the thick, lux garment.
Nelly quickly and gleefully tore through the wrapping paper, opening the box to reveal a Hermes varsity hoodie.
Justin opened his box to find a pair of Fendi biker boots. “Holy shit! Thank you, Dean!”
Dean winked at him and moved on to David.
With a huge smile, David opened his gift, a Dolce and Gabbana leather jacket. He thanked Dean with a beaming grin.
Dean went behind the tree and pulled out a long, flat box. “I didn’t forget about you, Jordan.” He handed the gift to him and Jordan quirked an eyebrow, looking at the flat, oddly shaped box.
“What could possibly be in here?” he asked.
